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Rabbit Ridge Winery

Rabbit Ridge Winery Becoming a world-class winemaker was not achieved overnight for Erich Russell, winemaker and founder of Rabbit Ridge. Although it appears as though he effortlessly blends some of the best wines in the country, this self-taught master started making wine from a home winemaking kit while teaching school in Southern California. Dan Berger - from the weekly Wine Commentary states: "Russell is a fascinating character - a graduate of San Jose State and a world-class runner who, while in college, gained a nickname that would end up in the title of his winery. Russell was a pace setter, often going out fast early, and as such dubbed - The rabbit by his teammates." One of Erich's first jobs was teaching high school track and field at San Diego High. During the summer of 79', while on summer break, an entry into an amateur winemaking contest won him a job at Chateau St. Jean. Taking a chance, Erich quit his job and began working in the winery. Three years later, in 1981 Erich opened Rabbit Ridge Winery and Vineyards in Healdsburg, California. His first release of Rabbit Ridge was two barrels of Zinfandel and two barrels of Chardonnay. Erich states: "I only made enough wine so that if it didn't sell, I could drink all of it." Today Rabbit Ridge produces 150 thousand cases of wine per year, and is distributed in most of the 50 United States and 5 other Countries. In 1996, Erich discovered the potential of the Paso Robles, California area and began buying ranches and planting vineyards, motivated by his belief the area had the potential to produce some of the finest red wines in California. Today, over 300 acres, located on the west side of Hwy 101, are planted and producing. Erich is making some of the best wines in his 25 years of winemaking. In 2001, Rabbit Ridge began construction of a new 55,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art winery in Paso Robles, as the business had outgrown the Healdsburg facility. The official grand opening was celebrated on May 1, 2003. Rabbit Ridge now has two locations, the original tasting room and vineyards in Sonoma County and the new location in Paso Robles. Please come visit us!!

Directions
Take Hwy. 101 to San Marcos Road. San Marcos road is about 5 miles north of Paso Robles. If you are driving north on Hwy. 101, turn left (West) on San Marcos Road. If you are driving south on Hwy. 101, turn right (West) on San Marcos Road. We are located 2 miles down on the right.


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Address Web Social
1172 San Marcos Road, Paso Robles, CA, US, 93466 Email: jessica@rabbitridgewinery.com
Phone: 805-467-3331 Web: www.rabbitridgewinery.com
Fax: 805-467-3339
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Products



  Rabbit Ridge California Avventura
To achieve wines of world class status, the Italians began experimenting in the late 1970's with adding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to their beloved Sangiovese of the Tuscany region. The lush complexity of Sangiovese married well with the strength of the Cabernet and the soft finesse of Merlot. With the popularity of all these varietals in the growing regions of California, we created our own "Super Tuscan" style wine using Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Napa, and Sangiovese from Sonoma. The wine was fermented separately in small lots and aged in French and American oak barrels for months. The result is a full-bodied wine which is rich and dynamic with flavors of spicy currants, plum and chocolate. The '95 Avventura was awarded a silver medal in the 1997 Sonoma County Harvest Fair and the '94 vintage received a coveted Four Gold Medal Award at the prestigious Orange County Wine Competition.
  Rabbit Ridge California Cabernet Sauvignon
Our Barrel Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon comes from premium Cabernet regions of California. It is aged in oak barrels and blended for optimum color and fruit. The result is a rich, complex and pleasing wine that is perfect with meat and poultry dishes. In keeping with the concept of the Rabbit Ridge Barrel Cuvee line, this Cabernet Sauvignon is made to be enjoyed young. Expect lush flavors of black currant, cedar and herbs.
  Rabbit Ridge California Chardonnay
We selected grapes from premium growing regions of California to produce our Barrel Cuvee Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is perfect with seafood, poultry and pasta dishes, yet balanced with soft, concentrated fruit, making it a delightful wine to enjoy by the glass. Anticipate pleasant flavors of apple and pear, combined with toasty vanilla from oak aging. In keeping with the concept of the Rabbit Ridge Barrel Cuvee line, this Chardonnay is made to be enjoyed immediately.
  Rabbit Ridge California Merlot
We selected grapes from the premium growing regions of California to produce our Barrel Cuvee Merlot. The wine is barrel aged for months in American and French oak and blended to give it complexity, depth and tannic structure while leaving it soft and round. This wine is full-bodied enough to pair well with meat, poultry and pasta dishes, yet balanced with soft and concentrated fruit, making it a delightful wine to enjoy by the glass. Anticipate pleasant flavors of black cherry, cassis and cloves, combined with toasty vanilla from the oak aging. In keeping with the concept of the Rabbit Ridge Barrel Cuvee line, this merlot is made to be enjoyed immediately.
  Rabbit Ridge California Zinfandel
Our Barrel Cuvee Zinfandel is made from grapes grown in the finest regions of California, including Amador County, Paso Robles and other Central Coast regions. The wine is fermented and then pressed into both new and used French and American oak for months. Expect bold jam and blackberry flavors, and a hint of soft oak and vanilla. Enjoy our Zinfandel by the glass or with a variety of cuisine.
  Rabbit Ridge Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc
We selected grapes from premium growing regions on the Central Coast to produce our Barrel Cuvee Sauvignon blanc. This refreshing Sauvignon blanc is perfect for light seafood, poultry and vegetable dishes, or simply by the glass. Anticipate pleasant nuances of melon and apple. In keeping with the concept of the Rabbit Ridge Barrel Cuvee line, this Sauvignon blanc is made to be enjoyed immediately. 2,028 cases produced.
  Rabbit Ridge Le Lapin, Sonoma County Reserve
Our Rabbit Ridge "Le Lapin" was made from grapes grown in Sonoma County, California. "Le lapin" is a unique wine inspired by the famous grapes of Europe. This lush red blend is barrel aged using a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic grape of Bordeaux, and Barbera, a classic grape of Piedmont. Enjoy our reserve "Le Lapin" with notes of blackcurrant, chocolate and cherry.
  Rabbit Ridge Napa Valley/Stagecoach Reserve Merlot
Our Rabbit Ridge Reserve Merlot was produced from grapes grown on the Stagecoach Vineyard located east of Napa Valley in California. The high altitude of the Stagecoach Vineyard produces grapes that create big, rich, vibrant style of Merlot that is both dark and complex. 795 cases produced.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Brunello Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the primary grape varietal used in the world famous Chianti blend of Italy's Tuscany region. This Sangiovese was made from grapes grown on our Cristalla vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles, California. For optimum grape quality, we planted the vines 3 feet by 6 feet, and maintain low picking yields of under 2 tons per acre. Our Paso Robles Sangiovese is grown on Brunello clone scion imported from Pertimalli, in Montalcino, Italy. It has exceptional fruit, complexity, aging characteristics and intense aromas. Enjoy pleasant flavors of raspberry, plum, and toasty vanilla.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Our Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes grown on the Cristalla Ranch vineyard on San Marcos Road. It was barrel-aged in French and American oak for months for the perfect balance. A small amount of Petite Sirah was added to create this big, concentrated, dark Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy notes of dark cherry, black currant, cedar, and herbs.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Chardonnay
Our Paso Robles Chardonnay is our Premier Chardonnay produced by Rabbit Ridge Winery. We have not produced a Chardonnay since the 2000 Sonoma County Chardonnay; and this is its successor. This Chardonnay is made from grapes grown from two distinct micro climates in Paso Robles to give the wine additional complexity. The first area is on a hillside vineyard over the Estrella area of Paso Robles. The climate at this location is very similar to Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. The second area is from our Live Oak Vineyard. This area is rather cool, and has very calcareous soil, just like Burgundy, France. The vines are cooled by afternoon wind and fog from the ocean and have a similar climate to the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County; but with the distinct advantage of limestone in the soil. The wine is barrel fermented in mostly new Louis Latour and Francois Freres French oak, combined with 100% malolactic fermentation, and is aged "sur lies" for approximately 8 months. The grapes were harvested between 24 and 26 brix, immediately pressed without skin contact, then the juice was cooled to 45 degrees. This Chardonnay is very full-bodied, with rich, toasty oak and butterscotch nuances.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles L.P.R. (Limited Paso Reserve)
Our Rabbit Ridge L.P.R. is made from grapes grown on our Live Oak vineyard and Cristalla vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles, California. For optimum grape quality, we planted the vines 3 feet by 6 feet, and maintain low picking yields of under 2 tons per acre. L.P.R. is a lush reserve red wine made from a blend of premium grapes, including Zinfandel (42%), Primitivo (25%), Petite Sirah (22%) and Syrah (11%). Enjoy rich pronounced flavors of blackberry jam and spice. 868 cases produced.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles O.V.Z. Reserve Zinfandel
Our legendary Rabbit Ridge Old Vine Zinfandel, or "O.V.Z." is from our finest vineyards on the west side of Paso Robles, California. To live up to its name, Zinfandel from vines over sixty years old was blended with judicious additions of Primitivo and a touch of Petite Sirah. This 2003 O.V.Z. is the first successor to our 1999 O.V.Z. Less than one ton of grapes were picked for our O.V.Z., creating a rich, concentrated, jammy reserve Zinfandel blend. Enjoy lush flavors of strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and rose petals.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Oddux
Our Rabbit Ridge Oddux is made from grapes grown in the premium growing regions of California. Oddux is our spelling of the term "Odd Ducks", used to denote unusual varieties that are generally blended. This rich, refined wine is barrel aged for months to enhance the complexities achieved by masterfully blending 12 to 15 grape varieties. Oddux's softly perfumed aromas of black cherry, mint, chocolate and spice, combined with oak and vanilla nuances, creates a wine of tremendous depth and flavor.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Petite Sirah Reserve
Our Paso Robles Reserve Petite Sirah is a rich, fruity red wine made from grapes grown on chalky, limestone soil the locals refer to as "Chalkrock." This Petite Sirah is from our vineyard located on Live Oak Road, west of the town of Paso Robles, California. Enjoy this dark, flavorful wine with rich, hearty cuisine like Braised Beef Shortribs or Ossobuco.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Pinot Grigio
Our Rabbit Ridge No Oak Pinot Grigio is round and fruity, with subtle notes of apple and honey. The grapes were harvested from a vineyard located west of Highway 101 and the town of Paso Robles, California. We cold fermented the fruit in stainless steel tanks in order to maintain its natural crisp characteristics. Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular white wines from Italy. The delicate aromas of our No Oak Pinot Grigio make it the perfect wine for light cuisine and seafood, or simply by the glass.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Pinot Noir
Our Rabbit Ridge Pinot noir is made from grapes grown on our Live Oak vineyard off Highway 46 west in Paso Robles, California. The Live Oak vineyard's heavily adorned limestone soils and cool, pacific fog drifts create the perfect setting for growing this rich Pinot noir made from French, Dijon bud wood. It is 100% Pinot noir aged in 100% Louis Latour and Francois Freres French oak barrels. We made this Pinot in a "Burgundian style" that is both dark and floral. Characteristics you will enjoy are full-bodied, black cherry, and rose petals. Less than one-half tons of grapes were picked.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Primitivo
The Paso Robles Primitivo is produced from grapes grown on our Cristalla vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles, California. For optimum grape quality, we planted the vines 3 feet by 6 feet, and maintain low picking yields of under 2 tons per acre. The word Primitivo means, "early ripening", and because of its similarity to the California's Zinfandel, host a punch of bold fruity flavors. It was barrel-aged in French and American oak for balance and softness. Our Paso Robles Primitivo is deeply colored, rich, and concentrated with notes of wild blackberry, raspberry and spice.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Rabbit Rose'
Our Rabbit Rose' was made from grapes grown on our Vista Serrano vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles, California. For optimum grape quality, we planted the vines 3 feet by 6 feet, and maintain low picking yields of under 2 tons per acre. Rabbit Rose' is a charming Provence style Rose' made from traditional French grape varietals. Luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre were perfectly combined to create this fruity, dry rose' that is ideal with various cuisine or simply by the glass.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Reserve Chardonnay
Our 2002 Reserve Chardonnay is the first vintage from the Live Oak vineyard. This is a very special reserve wine made from a single hillside block grown on dense limestone soils off highway 46 west in Paso Robles. Less than four barrels of wine were made from 12 acres of French, Dijon Chardonnay rootstock. This is a big, rich, oily, viscous, buttery, toasty Chardonnay that was fermented in 100% new Louis Latour barrels.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Reserve Sarah's Syrah
Our Rabbit Ridge Sarah's Syrah is made from grapes grown on our Live Oak vineyard and Cristalla vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles, California. For optimum grape quality, we planted the vines 3 feet by 6 feet, and maintain low picking yields of under 2 tons per acre. Named for our daughter, Sarah, our reserve Syrah is rich, fruity and complex with an elegant mouth-feel. Enjoy deep, concentrated flavors of raspberry, chocolate and black pepper.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc
Our Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing, crisp, fruity white wine with subtle grapefruit and herb undertones. Sauvignon Blanc is perfect with light fish and vegetable dishes, or very chilled by the glass.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Syrah
The Paso Robles Syrah is produced from grapes grown on our Cristalla vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles, California. For optimum grape quality, we planted the vines 3 feet by 6 feet, and maintain low picking yields of under 2 tons per acre. This is a highly extracted, dark, fruity wine with a bold, round finish. Enjoy our Syrah with notes of blackcurrant, raspberries, and spice.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Westside Viognier
Viognier is the flavor-packed, fruity white grape of the northern Rhone region of France. It is known for its crisp acidity and lush peach, apricot and ginger nuances. Only 14% of the total gallons was placed in oak for only 2 months keeping this Viognier crisp and fruity. It was put through 100% malolactic fermentation and held in stainless. Past vintages of Viognier have received numerous accolades, including the top wine two years in a row from the National Viognier Tasting Guide and numerous gold medals from international competitions. This wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif, or can be paired with a wide variety of foods, especially spicy or rich cuisines.
  Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel
The Paso Robles Zinfandel is produced from grapes grown on our Cristalla vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. For optimum grape quality, we planted the vines 3 feet by 6 feet, and maintain low picking yields of under 2 tons per acre. This is a big bodied, jammy red Zinfandel with soft tannins and a round finish. It was barrel-aged in French and American oak for months for the perfect balance of toast and vanilla. Enjoy our Paso Robles Zinfandel with pronounced flavors of wild blackberry, raspberry, and chocolate.

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